Solano County's whistleblower program is working

A report released by the Auditor-Controller's Internal Audit Division shows the complaints filed last year with Solano County's Whistleblower Program.

The program includes a special hotline number (866) 384-TIPS and a website for submission of reports. The reports received were reviewed by the Internal Audit Division of the Auditor-Controller's Office in cooperation with appointed and elected department heads and the county administrator as deemed appropriate.

From July 1, 2011, through

June 30, the program received 25 reports of perceived incidence of fraud, waste and abuse, or violations of policy or law; 14 of the cases were found to not have merit.

Reports were received in the following categories: 12 violations of law/county policy, five time sheet fraud cases, three unauthorized/inappropriate use of county property cases and five cases categorized as "other."

Five of these cases were referred to the Health and Social Services Special Investigations Bureau for further investigation into alleged welfare fraud. All five were found to be without merit.

One case was found to be outside the jurisdiction of the county and was closed and referred to the governing board of the agency in question for their investigation and action.

Ten cases were found to have merit. In at least one of those cases, a county employee was fired for regularly taking time off without coordination or approval.

In cases where fraud, waste, or abuse was not found, the review by the Auditor-Controller's Office or department management improved processes and controls. These improvements help to prevent future potential issues of fraud, waste and abuse.

The program continues to demonstrate success in the identification of county-related matters in potential fraud, waste and abuse. The program continues to improve controls and oversight throughout the county. The program is a successful addition to the county's efforts to ensure accountability by providing a process for employees and other county citizens to report perceived incidence of fraud, waste and abuse.